Scotch Whisky

Any whisky made in Scotland is called Scotch Whisky. It must, however, adhere to standards set by the Scotch Whisky Act of 1988 to be a legally mandated spirit. These rules designate that the whisky must be made at a Scottish distillery, aged in oak barrels for at least three years, must be at least 40% alcohol by volume and must be distilled from water and malted barley.

Fast Facts

1. Varieties: Single Malt, Vatted Malt, Single Grain, Blended
2. Aged: at least 3 years
3. Must conform to Scotch Whisky Order of 1990
4. No other Whisky may be produced in Scotland
5. "Pure Malt" or "Vatted Malt" indicates that the product is a blend of single malt whiskies
6. First varieties distilled in the 4th Century A.D.

Single Scotch Whisky

Single scotch whisky must be produced at a maximum of one distillery. It can, however, contain more than one type of grain, and still be called "single grain whisky."

Blended Scotch Whisky

Most mass produced scotch whiskies are of the blended variety, meaning the whiskies in the product can come from multiple distilleries. These whiskies include Chivas Regal, Dewar's and Cutty Sark.

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